Legal Terms: C

A crime punishable by death, such as first-degree murder with special circumstances.

Law established through judicial decisions and court opinions, as opposed to statutes or regulations. Also called common law or judge-made law.

A set of facts and legal theories that give a party the right to seek a judicial remedy against another party.

An order or letter demanding that a party stop an activity (such as trademark infringement) and refrain from resuming it.

A writ issued by a higher court directing a lower court to deliver the record of a case for review. The Supreme Court grants certiorari to hear appeals.

The documented chronological history of the handling, transfer, and location of physical evidence, ensuring its integrity for use at trial.

A request to dismiss a prospective juror based on a demonstrated bias or inability to be impartial.

A form of bankruptcy that allows businesses to reorganize their debts and operations while continuing to operate.

A form of bankruptcy allowing individuals with regular income to create a 3-to-5-year repayment plan to pay off debts while keeping their property.

A form of bankruptcy involving liquidation of non-exempt assets to pay creditors, with remaining eligible debts being discharged.

Personal property that is movable, as distinguished from real property (land and buildings).

The determination of which jurisdiction's law applies to a dispute when the parties or events are connected to more than one jurisdiction.

Evidence that requires an inference to connect it to a conclusion of fact, as opposed to direct evidence.

A reference to a legal authority (statute, case, regulation) or a notice to appear in court for a minor offense.

The body of law dealing with disputes between private parties, as opposed to criminal law. Encompasses contracts, torts, property, and family law.

The rights of individuals to receive equal treatment and be free from discrimination based on characteristics such as race, sex, religion, and national origin.

An assertion of a right to money, property, or a legal remedy; also, the legal basis for a lawsuit.

A lawsuit brought by one or more plaintiffs on behalf of a larger group of similarly situated individuals.

A standard of proof higher than preponderance of the evidence but lower than beyond a reasonable doubt, requiring evidence that is highly and substantially more probable to be true.

A position in which a recent law school graduate works for a judge, assisting with legal research, drafting opinions, and other judicial duties.

The final statement made by each attorney to the judge or jury, summarizing the evidence and arguments presented during trial.

A supplement or amendment to an existing will that modifies, explains, or revokes specific provisions without replacing the entire will.

The use of force, threats, or intimidation to compel someone to act against their will.

Property pledged as security for a loan or debt. If the borrower defaults, the lender can seize the collateral.

A doctrine preventing a party from relitigating an issue of fact that has already been determined in a prior proceeding. Also called issue preclusion.

The appearance of legal authority. Actions taken under color of law are those performed by government officials using their official power.

The principle by which courts of one jurisdiction give respect and deference to the laws, judicial decisions, and institutions of another jurisdiction.

To mix together, especially funds. Commingling personal and business funds can lead to piercing the corporate veil.

A company or individual that transports goods or passengers for compensation, owing a heightened duty of care.

Law developed by judges through court decisions and precedent, rather than through legislative statutes or executive action.

A system of property ownership used in some states where assets acquired during marriage are considered equally owned by both spouses.

The reduction of a criminal sentence by executive action, such as the governor or president reducing a prison term.

A legal doctrine that apportions fault among parties in a negligence case, reducing the plaintiff's recovery by their percentage of fault.

Money awarded to a plaintiff to compensate for actual losses suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage.

The initial pleading filed by the plaintiff that begins a civil lawsuit, setting forth the allegations and claims against the defendant.

The act of conforming to laws, regulations, rules, and standards applicable to an individual or organization.

The Sixth Amendment right of criminal defendants to subpoena witnesses to testify on their behalf.

A voluntary process in which a neutral third party helps disputing parties communicate and reach an agreement.

When two or more courts have the authority to hear the same type of case.

Criminal sentences served at the same time rather than one after another (consecutive).

The exercise of eminent domain — the government taking private property for public use with just compensation.

Criminal sentences served one after another rather than at the same time (concurrent).

A court order that formalizes an agreement between parties to a lawsuit, often used in civil rights, environmental, and antitrust cases.

A person appointed by a court to manage the financial affairs or personal care of an incapacitated adult.

Something of value exchanged between parties to a contract, which makes the agreement legally binding. Can be money, services, or a promise.

The combining of two or more legal actions or businesses into a single proceeding or entity.

An agreement between two or more persons to commit an unlawful act or to accomplish a lawful purpose by unlawful means.

The supreme law of the United States, establishing the structure of government, defining governmental powers, and protecting individual rights.

When an employer makes working conditions so intolerable that a reasonable employee would feel compelled to resign, treated legally as a termination.

Legal notice that a person is deemed to have received even if they did not actually receive it, because the information was publicly available.

Laws and regulations designed to protect buyers of goods and services from unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent business practices.

Willful disobedience of a court order or disruptive behavior in court, punishable by fines or imprisonment.

A fee arrangement where the attorney's payment depends on the outcome of the case, typically a percentage of the recovery.

A legally enforceable agreement between two or more parties, consisting of an offer, acceptance, consideration, capacity, and legality.

A common law doctrine barring a plaintiff from recovering damages if they were at all at fault for their own injury.

The wrongful exercise of control or dominion over another person's personal property, depriving them of its use.

The transfer of legal title to property from one person to another by means of a written instrument such as a deed.

Legal protection for original works of authorship fixed in a tangible medium, giving the creator exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display the work.

A public official responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those that are sudden, unexplained, or suspicious.

A legal entity separate from its owners (shareholders) that can enter contracts, own property, sue and be sued, and has perpetual existence.

Latin for 'body of the crime.' The principle that a crime must be proven to have occurred before a person can be convicted.

Additional evidence that confirms or supports testimony or other evidence already presented.

A claim made by the defendant against the plaintiff in the same lawsuit, asserting that the plaintiff owes the defendant.

A directive issued by a judge that requires a party to do or refrain from doing a specific act.

A formal promise or agreement, often found in contracts and deeds. In real estate, restrictive covenants limit how property can be used.

A person or entity to whom money is owed, either through a loan, sale of goods, or provision of services.

An act or omission that violates a law and is punishable by the state through fines, imprisonment, or other penalties.

The body of law that defines offenses against the state or public, establishes punishments, and governs the prosecution of those offenses.

The questioning of a witness by the opposing party's attorney, designed to test credibility and challenge testimony given during direct examination.

Punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment, interpreted to include torture, disproportionate sentences, and degrading treatment.

The legal right and responsibility to care for a child, including physical custody (where the child lives) and legal custody (decision-making authority).